Court told of scuffle by women after hit to face

TWO women scuffled on the ground after one hit the other to the face with a beer bottle in Devonport, a court heard yesterday.In the Supreme Court, in Burnie, Jiarne Bryant gave evidence about an alleged wounding.

Nicole Margaret Bruce has pleaded not guilty to wounding Tara Lee Roberts outside the Tapas Lounge Bar in the early hours of September 21 last year.

Ms Bryant gave evidence that she was outside the venue as a security guard escorted a woman out of the premises.

A man walking behind the woman was referring to her as Nicole, Ms Bryant told the court.

Ms Bryant said the woman took a couple of steps, turned and tried to go back inside.

A security guard interrupted her, Ms Bryant said, and told her she was not allowed back inside.

The woman asked if she could get her alcohol, Ms Bryant said.

She said the guard told the woman to wait, went inside himself and came out with two stubbies.

Three people came out, Ms Bryant said, including a woman called Tara.

Ms Bryant said the woman she understood to be Nicole leaned towards Tara and spat at her.

Tara then walked towards Nicole, Ms Bryant said, and Nicole hit her to the face with a stubby. "It smashed; beer and glass went everywhere." Tara was bleeding from the bridge of her nose.